Edge cleaner device for coating process

Abstract

An edge cleaning device, a system for cleaning an outside edge of a movable, coated web, and a method of cleaning the outside edge of the movable, coated web include a unique combination of desirable features. An edge cleaner device is automatically positioned with respect to an outside edge of a movable, coated web, wherein the edge cleaner device is positioned upstream from a backing roller for operatively engaging an underside of the moving, coated web. A fluid jet from a nozzle assembly of the edge cleaner device is applied toward the underside and the outside edge of the moving, coated web. A scraper device can be operatively engaged with an upper surface of the moving web without contacting an upper surface of the backing roller and the collection device may be imparted with a vacuum to assist in the removal of excess coating collected by the edge cleaning device.

1. An edge cleaning device for an outside edge of a moving, coated web, said device comprising:
 a nozzle assembly imparting a fluid jet toward the outside edge of the moving, coated web; and 
 a scraper device operatively secured with said nozzle assembly to a common carriage, wherein said nozzle assembly and said scraper device are simultaneously positioned by said carriage along the outside edge of the moving, coated web. 
 
     
     
       2. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a collection container, wherein said collection container is operatively positioned opposite to said fluid jet of said nozzle assembly for collecting excess coating directed by said fluid jet. 
     
     
       3. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 2 , wherein said collection container is provided with a supply of vacuum to assist in collecting the excess coating directed by said fluid jet. 
     
     
       4. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 1 , wherein said nozzle assembly imparts a fluid jet directed at an underside of said moving web, said fluid jet consisting of at least one of water and air. 
     
     
       5. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 3 , wherein said nozzle assembly imparts a fluid jet directed at an underside of said moving web, said fluid jet consisting of at least one of water and air. 
     
     
       6. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a positioning device for detecting a relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       7. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 6 , wherein said positioning device includes at least one pair of optical sensors arranged in a mutual opposite position with respect to one another, wherein said optical sensors transmit an optical signal therebetween for indicating the relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       8. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 5 , further comprising a positioning device for detecting a relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       9. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 8 , wherein said positioning device includes at least one pair of optical sensors arranged in a mutual opposite position with respect to one another, wherein said optical sensors transmit an optical signal therebetween for indicating the relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       10. The edge cleaning device according to  claim 2 , further comprising at least one guide post for aligning said moving web with respect to said fluid jet, said at least one guide post extending from a side of said collection device. 
     
     
       11. A system for cleaning an outside edge of a moving, coated web, said system comprising:
 a moving, coated web; 
 a roller for operatively engaging said moving, coated web; 
 a movable carriage supporting an edge cleaning device; 
 a nozzle assembly imparting a fluid jet toward the outside edge of the moving, coated web; and 
 a scraper device operatively secured with said nozzle assembly to the movable carriage, wherein said nozzle assembly and said scraper device are simultaneously positioned by said carriage along the outside edge of the moving, coated web. 
 
     
     
       12. The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said nozzle assembly imparts a fluid jet directed at the underside of said moving web, said fluid jet consisting of at least one of water and air. 
     
     
       13. The system according to  claim 11 , further comprising a positioning device for detecting a relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       14. The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said positioning device includes at least one pair of optical sensors arranged in a mutual opposite position with respect to one another, wherein said optical sensors transmit an optical signal therebetween for indicating the relative position of the edge cleaner device with respect to the moving web. 
     
     
       15. The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising a collection container operatively secured with said nozzle assembly to the movable carriage, wherein said collection container and said nozzle assembly are simultaneously positioned by said carriage along the outside edge of the moving, coated web, and said fluid jet of said nozzle assembly is directed in a direction toward an opening of said collection container. 
     
     
       16. The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said scraper device is separately positionable from said movable carriage, and said scraper device is positioned along the outside edge of the moving, coated web. 
     
     
       17. The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said scraper device is positioned along the outside edge of the moving, coated web along either the underside or an upper side of the web. 
     
     
       18. The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said scraper device is positioned at the underside of the web.